snuit

Snuit is a Dutch term that designates the snout or muzzle, the forward part of the head in many vertebrates, especially mammals. It typically includes the external nose and surrounding facial tissues, and it varies widely in length, shape and proportion across species. In everyday language the snuit refers to the visible front of the face used for smelling, breathing and manipulating objects, while in scientific contexts it is discussed as a functional unit of the skull and sensory system.

Anatomy and function: The snout houses the nostrils and much of the olfactory apparatus, contributing to the sense of smell. It assists respiration and, in many species, serves as a tool for interaction with the environment, such as probing, rooting, grasping or digging. The surface may bear fur, whiskers, or tactile hairs, and the underlying cartilage and bone provide structure.

Variation and adaptations: In some species the snout is long and slender, as in many canids, insectivores, and anteaters, aiding probing for prey or food. In others it is short or broad, as seen in many brachycephalic dogs or pigs. In elephants the nose is extended into a versatile trunk, used for breathing, smelling, grabbing and social signaling.

See also: Nose, Muzzle, Rostrum, Proboscis.